FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 6, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to expire as early as May without Congressional intervention

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) announced that she will be joined by a recipient of the Affordable Connectivity Program’s benefits as her guest at President Biden’s State of the Union Address to Congress on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“Every month, more than 1.8 million New York households rely on the ACP to help pay for their internet bill. Truly, the ACP represents one of our best tools to close the digital divide. With current projections expecting the program to run out of funds as soon as May, it’s clear Congress must take immediate action to save this vital program. I look forward to hearing President Biden’s plan to address unaffordable broadband access and our path towards bridging the digital divide tomorrow evening,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) provided formal notice to Internet Service Providers that, without action by Congress, April is the final full month the Affordable Connectivity Program will be funded. 

Congresswoman Clarke and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide $7 billion for the program. U.S. Senator Welch (D-VT) along with Sens. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) have led the introduction of a bipartisan companion bill in the United States Senate. 

###